[IC] The Crescent Academy

[OoTrillionoO]

Ezzeil could feel himself quickly losing his energy, with sweat creasing his brow both of his arms aching he groaned, putting his strength into each row. He looked up, his target now in view. He could see smoke billowing into the sky, accompanied by green flame. Wow, they must be having some night party! He thought to himself, feeling joy as he continued paddling. It must be some sort of welcoming for the new students. I'd heard that the school'd been strict with the students. Must of just been Blasphemy, this is gonna be awesome! He put more strength into each paddle, pushing himself harder than previously. He was unaware of the exact time, but he figured it'd probably take him about 12 hours before he would make it to the distant crescent shaped island. Dang, he was probably going to miss this party. What a shame. He could feel his arms relax a bit as he came to that conclusion. He gazed down at the old boards he'd been using as paddles, and a makeshift raft. Maybe longer, he thought to himself. I wonder if 2 silver coins were enough He recalled how he'd obtained the boards.

(9 hours earlier)

Ezzeil walked through the streets of Lost Harbor, a fishing town on the coast, just a 12 minute walk from his previous workplace. He'd received an acceptance letter from the prestigious Crescent Academy. Long story short he quit working there immediately. He was never able to hold a job for long; most of his superiors were dismayed by some of his lack of common sense. Bah, to hell with 'em. He was accepted into Crescent. As long as he could survive the academy he was as good as set for life. Who needs nagging bosses? The only problem was he hadn't the faintest idea of how to get there. Teleporting was too expensive, and it wasn't like he could go by horse either, unless he could find some type of horse for water... yes, some type of seahorse. In his thoughts he accidentally walked directly into a big, thick bear of a man, wearing an extremely flamboyant fur coat with all sorts of white and black patterns across it. Ezzeil decided that this man was going to be the solution to his problems.

"Excuse me sir, but uh... do you know the fastest way to get to Crescent Academy?" In response, the man gave a girly pose and backed away a few feet.

"Eh~ first you push me down, then you demand I give you answers? You're such a brute. But you know, I don't really mind that in a man" He looked Ezzeil up and down before giving Ezzeil his answer. "Yes, I do indeed know how to get there, and maybe I'll tell you..." The man walked closer and stroked Ezzeil's blonde hair. "That is, so long as you can pay me. With. Your. Body."Ezzeil was confused by what the man had said, and upon reaching a conclusion he only gave a dark-

"Oh, well if that's what it'll take, I guess it must be done" Before pulling out a knife and bringing it up to his fingers. "How many fingers? I don't think I could give you my whole hand, but I could give you some toes instead," he said, staring into the man's eyes.

The man waved his hands, before bowing his head in defeat and saying, "What a turnoff. I was just going to tell you that the eastern harbor has a sort of taxiing service. You can just grab something there, and assuming the right people are paid, everything'll be just fine"

However, when he got there he didn't see any sort of boats, the dock was completely empty. He remembered that he could just grab anything there, so he left 2 of his silver coins on the post beside him, and began to strip the dock of its boards.

And now here he was, pushing himself forward on his raft of old boards with the distant Crescent Academy in his sights.

[Zmerr]

Zmerr practically dragged the freshman through the halls and corridors of the school. He wasn't really sure why he brought him, but at the time it made sense. Strength in numbers, right? finally, they came across a large room filled with tapestries, carpets, and furniture in varying shades of blue. inside stood a huge dragon. immediately, Zmerr dropped to his knees, realizing that this was probably the most powerful being to ever roam the planet. Archmagister Camdus was notorious for his strong magic.

When Zmerr noticed that the student was still standing, he quickly reached out a three-fingered hand and forced him to his knees. "Show the Archmagister some respect!" he almost hissed. Then he gave him a half-smile to show him that it was ok but the he ought to take note of the advice.

Archmagister Camdus turned around to face the two kneeling before him.

"Archmagister Camdus, my Lord. We have a serious problem. someone has set fire to the stable. I know that doesn't sound like a big deal, but it's a magical fire. Magister Maxus Renum claims that the magic is too strong to have been caused by any of the students. What shall we do?"

[Gisk]

Nyame was dragged with surprising strength into the great building, and through some halls. The unlikely pair finally entered a great chamber that was mostly filled with a dragon. Nyame knew that this was the greatest mage in the Academy. He stood tall and put his staff forward, tapping it loudly on the ground to show his respect. The small one, meanwhile, was dropping low to the ground.
"Why do you make yourself smaller?" Nyame asked, but he was grabbed by the wrist again and pulled to the ground. He might have resisted, but the creature's strength always seemed to take him off guard.

[DrHorus]

Sylph relaxed to the sight of the night sky as she closed her eyes. Suddenly, a horrifying chill ascended her spine. A huge magical force had been unleashed... So strong that she became nauseous with it. Sylph's weight shook a little bit as she tightened her grip on her stave, almost as if trying to support herself desperately. Without waiting for the lad's answer, Sylph sped off, the power of the winds upon her feet. The wizard quickly arrived outside of the school as she saw a raging wreath of green flames that licked the stables and anything around it to ashes. Sylph tried to approach the flames but a sick magical essence prevented her from approaching any further.

"Flamma de malo, ut redigatur ad ignes; dormite iam, sitim extin!" Sylph uttered a complex magic to seal the flames; she could create one, she could also try to seal one. A fiery pentagram formed in front of her as the green flames began to extend towards her... However, the emerald fires erupted into a barrage of sparks as Sylph was sent flying a good meter back. She stood up... groggy and shaken. Sylph knew where to go next... Archmagister Cadmus.

Without a moment's doubt, Sylph sped off again to the officer of the great mage. Sylph barged through the door, her hood down, and her black robe stained with soil. However, Sylph froze in place as she saw Mr. Zmerr and an unfamiliar face inside the office. Then again, she knew that Zmerr had already seen the flames... he had told her that he would sleep, and the mere fact that he was awake could only mean that he was forced to be.

"Pardon me, Mr. Zmerr." Sylph bowed as she looked at Zmerr. "I believe that, you sir, have already seen the flames?" Sylph sighed as she knelt to the ground, one knee touching the earth, and she thumped down her stave as a sign of respect. "Although, I never thought you'd bring a freshman along with you, sir." she smiled gently before looking down.

[Zmerr]

"I did see the flames. I grabbed him-" He points a thumb at the freshman "-because he was there." Zmerr looked up at Sylph, seeing an unusual amount of stress twist her features. "I didn't think you'd see it, but I'm glad you did."

[Aisling]

Mystique was by now bathed and had a good meal inside of herself. She was at the small vanity where she was brushing out her hair before going to bed. Her eyes were drooping shut as she brushed her hair and sooner than she expected, she was asleep with her head on the vanity.

A cloaked figure came inside the room quietly. He glanced about her belongings but nothing was of any interest to him. Not even the small purse of coins could tempt him.. With a wave of his hand the blankets opened up and the girl floated to the bed. The covers gently fell back on her sleeping figure. The figure now glanced at the items on the vanity and he found what he was looking for. An acceptance letter from Crescent Academy.........

He left the letter where it laid and sat down in a corner to smoke his pipe.
"So old Archmagister Camdus thinks that you are worth something. I'll take you where you wish to go, Miss Mystique Merriweather. I have wanted to meet your headmaster for many a year......"

[Aisling]

Mystique was by now bathed and had a good meal inside of herself. She was at the small vanity where she was brushing out her hair before going to bed. Her eyes were drooping shut as she brushed her hair and sooner than she expected, she was asleep with her head on the vanity.

A cloaked figure came inside the room quietly. He glanced about her belongings but nothing was of any interest to him. Not even the small purse of coins could tempt him.. With a wave of his hand the blankets opened up and the girl floated to the bed. The covers gently fell back on her sleeping figure. The figure now glanced at the items on the vanity and he found what he was looking for. An acceptance letter from Crescent Academy.........

He left the letter where it laid and sat down in a corner to smoke his pipe.
"So old Archmagister Camdus thinks that you are worth something. I'll take you where you wish to go, Miss Mystique Merriweather. I have wanted to meet your headmaster for many a year......"

[Masterphantasm]

Bryce stared deep into the rippling pool of energy a little nervous at attending this school but also excited that he will get to learn from the same teachers that once taught his mother and father. Knowing this gave him a bit of comfort but for whatever reason he felt quite apprehensive still. Bryce thought to himself “Something’s just not right and I don’t know what but something feels off.”

“You are going to be fine dear you’re going to our alma mater” Chandra said as her eyes had begun to glow a low warm red

“MOM you said you would stop that”

“I know but anyone with eyes could see you are nervous about something, few bits of advice dear if you ever feel nervous or want to talk the teachers are available. Just avoid mentioning that you’re the son of Jace to some it’s a good thing to some he was…Let’s just say a devil”

“And your mother was a teacher’s pet but all that aside here’s all you need to know in the library there is a book called “the basics of illusion magic if you open it up to the middle and recite my name backwards it will transport you to a level that is locked between two floors this is the only way in or out of it it’s my study away from my study feel free to steal away to there whenever you need some quite time”

Bryce looked at both his parents took a deep breath and shook his father’s hand and hugged his mom and with a wave over his shoulder took the step through the portal.
Almost instantly was Bryce teleported to the area just outside of the school where a green fire raged he saw someone get blasted back with almost like a magical backdraft and just as soon as they picked their self up they took of faster than anything Bryce had ever seen. As Bryce looked around he found a pale and tried to toss water onto the fire but it seemed to rage even more. As he looked around he saw a figure standing trying to stop the flame all he could do was hope this was a teacher he ran over frantically “WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP???”

[Aristocles]

(If I missed some details, please bear with me. It's been a busy time for me IRL. I'll focus on Cadmus for now and catch up with Asthia later. And it's spelled "Cadmus", not "Camdus", and he's not THAT powerful. Strong, yes. OP, no.)

Cadmus looked down at Zmerr and the others. He was a large, silver dragon, with blue eyes, long wings, and several horns, although his most notable feature were the two main horns extending from the back of his head. A crackle of light-blue magic would race up the horns from time to time, giving the appearance of tines of blue lighting. He spoke in a voice which reflected a will of iron, yet was surprisingly gentle for one as large as him.

"I shall tend to the fire myself and get to the bottom of this later. I have sensed the arrival of several new students, and shall tend to them as well. I didn't sense the flames, which tells me that whoever set it must be a powerful mage in his own right."

He rose to his feet, standing on the large pillow on which he had been resting, large enough for a pair of elephants to comfortably curl up on with room to spare. Cadmus spread his wings and looked up at the skylight in the ceiling. The oculus was large enough to let him fly through without difficulty. As he began to flap his wings, he spoke to the others in the room.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention. If you need anything, I'll be at the stables!" Cadmus flew up through the hole in the roof, cutting through the night sky. He found the raging green flames and landed in front of it, careful not to injure anyone who was around. The silver dragon sniffed the air and let out a loud growl. The magic used to power this fire was indeed powerful. He stood up on his hind legs and traced a pattern in the air with front right claw. The resulting shape had the same color as the magic which danced across his horns, which increased in intensity as he trace the pattern.

After about thirty seconds, the pattern looked like a circle filled with interlocking triangles. When it was completed, he waved his hand across the pattern, and it brought forth a burst of deep blue water, colored a deeper shade of blue than any natural water in the material plane. The water quickly extinguished the fire, and once Cadmus was satisfied that the flames were out, he turned to those around him.

"Anyone care to explain what happened?" His tone was commanding, but not harsh.

[DrHorus]

Sylph looked up at the silver and blue Archmagister Cadmus... She had seen this mage ever since she was a freshman, and up to this day, a chill would creep up her spine just by sensing Cadmus' arcane essence. Cadmus took off in a gust of winds as she wanted to see what Cadmus would do... She hadn't seen Cadmus use any magic yet, and she wasn't about to let this opportunity slip by.

"Pinas Venti." Sylph chanted as a huge gust of wind emanated from her feet. Suddenly,she was thrown into the air. She wasn't flying, no... another magic was concerned with flying. Rather, she was gliding. The winds were functioning as her tool to glide. The wizard slipped through the hole, and out into the evening sky. She glided to the ground as Cadmus flew past her. Sylph ran near the flames as Cadmus began to cast spells of utter complexity... Suddenly, a huge spout of mystical waters burst forth and began to quench the flames.

Sylph marveled at the mystical waters; the water was of a blue shade unlike any other water she had been able to cast. "I wonder what kind of spell that was... With only a wave, not even an incantation." the young wizard was at awe with Cadmus' ability, but as quickly, she became serious as Cadmus spoke to the people around. Some teachers were already there, as well as some late students.

"Archmagister... With all due respect... This flame must have spawned instantly... I only managed to sense it because I was near. It was an evil and murderous flame. Whoever casted it must have been learned in the dark arts." Sylph examined the burnt remains. "In all my eight years of staying here... This is the first time that this happened. If it wasn't for Sir Zmerr, this flame could have gone unnoticed. Furthermore, it seems that whoever was responsible made sure that no fire sealing spell could affect it." the wizard mumbled as she leaned on her staff.

"If I may say, Archmagister... Instead of it as an attempt at destruction... You were in the perpetrator's mind, sir. I think... the flame was meant to be a challenge against your power." Sylph said softly as she bowed her head. "Someone or something... might be challenging you, Archmagister Cadmus."

[Aristocles]

He let out an annoyed little burst of blue flame from his snout, harmlessly burning nothing but the air.

"I suspect it might be another dragon. Probably interested in something banal, like territory or treasure. If you can tell me more about this figure, please do so. In the meantime, I suppose this will have to be cleaned up. If Zmerr wants to take care of it, that would work just fine. Now, I've sensed the approach of several new students, including a dracon."

"That would be me!" Asthia had seen the flames from a distance and came over, excusing herself from other engagements. She still needed to find a room and be assigned classes.

"Oh. Right. And you are?"

"Asthia. I take it you are Archmagister Cadmus?"

"Indeed I am." He detected an odd smell. "Hold on for a moment." The silver dragon leapt into the air, flying around in a circle, the starry sky still shining above him. He landed near Slyph.

"Seems like whoever did this left a magical trail, but it went cold already, Slyph." He turned his attention back to Asthia for a moment. "Just go inside of the school. head down the hallway until you come to a crossroads. Take a left and go down that corridor until you reach an office. That's the registrar. He will check your name off of the list and assign you a room and classes. It's already been worked out ahead of time. Welcome to the school. I just wish this welcome could come under better circumstances."

"Thanks!" Asthia nodded and ran off in the direction he had told her.

Cadmus looked back at Sylph. "Just know that this doesn't excuse you from your classes. I expect you all to be on time bright and early tomorrow. These sorts of abnormalities are just part of life as a mage."

[Zmerr]

Maxus was almost thrown off guard when the student asked him what he could do. He hadn't even seen the kid.

"What year are you?

[Zmerr]

Zmerr came running back to the scene. It appeared as though he had missed everything. He could see Maxus on the ground, relaxing after holding the fire back for so long.

"What did I miss?" he questioned in an almost disappointed voice.

[DrHorus]

Sylph nodded as Cadmus began to interact with some students. Suddenly, Cadmus flew into the air and after a brief moment, he landed back again near her... nearly causing Sylph to stumble. However, she regained her composure, and once more sighed and became serious.

"If there is a dragon who is challenging you, Archmagister, wouldn't it be quite dangerous for the students? That rival dragon might use your students as hostage." Sylph replied with a serious and cold tone. "Then again... a hostage will just be part of a mage's life, isn't it, Archmagister?" the wizard continued, as if redirecting Cadmus' statements. Sylph fixed her hood as Cadmus told her that she would not be excused from her classes.

"You have known me for eight years, Archmagister. You should know that I am greatly indebted to this institute, and I would be damned before skipping a class if it isn't important enough." Sylph replied without looking at the dragon. Sylph saw some freshmen who had just arrived, however, she wasn't in really in the mood for greeting late comers at this time of night.

Sylph approached one of the students... the young lad who had thrown a bucket of water. That thought humored Sylph to the point where she actually smiled. "A freshman as well, eh? You kinda look familiar... You resemble someone." Sylph observed the lad before she chuckled. "Never mind. Well, if you're going to survive in this academy, you're gonna have to think of something better than throwing a pail of water into a raging flame, kiddo." the young wizard chuckled as she thumped her stave on the ground to maintain his attention. "Well, the night's late. You best head to the registrar's office. Take the hallway until you get to a crossroad, and go left. You'll find the office. Your name will be checked, and your room given." Sylph reiterated Cadmus' instructions with precision. "Well, hope you sleep well, freshie. You're gonna need it tomorrow." Sylph smiled gently as she turned around and saw Sir Zmerr come into view.

Sylph slowly approached Zmerr. "Mr. Zmerr. You're quite late to the action. Nonetheless, it's thanks to you that this flame was detected early. Thank you." Sylph bowed as she looked up again. "I'm sorry your sleep had to be disturbed. Well, I was able to give some introductions to the froshies over there. Worry not, sir. It's best if you rest your weary soul. Tomorrow's gonna be a long day... literally. Don't you think so?" Sylph chuckled as she pulled her hood. "Well, a pleasant night, sir." the wizard nodded as she walked away to her dorm... the only sound coming from her was the thump of her wooden stave.

[Masterphantasm]

Bryce felt a little embarrassed he knew deep down that a simple bucket would do absolutely nothing to the raging emerald inferno but it was a split second reaction.

The person he asked about help seemed shocked and in awe of these flames almost nervous. moments later he heard the wing beat of a gorgeous dragon, he gazed upon it in awe wing beat but what was truly amazing is that with a few glyphs and a wave of his claws brought forth a small flood of what appeared to be magical water. The flames were almost instantaneously quenched and soon after everything was over he had noticed a small spattering of new arrivals to the scene
"Had they always been there?" Bryce thought to himself.

Never mind that now he was being approached by one of the senior students he assumed from the way she carried herself she smiled as she mention Bryce's attempt at quenching at a magical fire with ordinary water. Bryce let out a little chuckle "hehe you're right that was foolish, but as for looking like someone i cant imagine who" Bryce said as he pulled his hood to cover more of his face. "Thank you for the information I will heed it and grow stronger as to not look like a fool...again" Bryce said with a little laugh.

Bryce noticed that all the other newbies were headed to the registrar he caught up just enough that he was the last in the group.

[Aisling]

Gandalf decided that it was time for them to leave. He knew that the girl would be lost if she went alone so he would take her if he could come along. Now what to tell her? Perhaps he could be a guardian for her. She looked too innocent just sleeping but even he could be fooled. She should have a pet of some sort perhaps? He will speak to someone about getting her a pet.........

"Mystique, it is time go. Please get up, dress and pack. I will meet you downstairs in 15 minutes. Your classes start today." Gandalf spoke hastily as he gave her a shake.

"Yes, I will be there shortly....." Mystique sat on the edge of the bed to see a tall man leave the room. Quickly, she dressed and packed what few things that she had. She hurried downstairs and nearly bumped into Gandalf.

"Excuse me. But are you Gandalf? " Mystique asked softly.
"Yes and we must be on our way if you wish to be at the Academy on time." Gandalf replied as he turned around and lead the way out to the horses.
Both were saddled and ready to go. Gandalf kept an eye on Mystique as she mounted. She was a good horseperson and rode quite well.
They rode out of the town silently until they came to a woods. There Gandalf lead her into the woods where there was an opening, He then turned to Mystique.

"You will need to go through the portal quickly and wait for me on the other side. It will be dark so I will stay with you for the time being." Gandalf spoke then he made a few hand passes and a hole opened up slowly.

As soon as the hole was big enough, Mystique spurred her horse and quickly went through with Gandalf right behind her. They rode a ways until they could see the faint outlines of the Academy. There they dismounted to eat breakfast.

[Aristocles]

Cadmus turned to all who had assembled there. "If there is a rival dragon or any force who wishes to threaten the students, know that I will personally ensure your safety to the best of my ability, and failing that, I will be sure to avenge your death, then make preparations to bring you back from beyond the veil." He had the feeling that while some there got his last statement, not everyone did.

"Death isn't irreversible for mages and clerics of sufficient power, unless your soul is trapped in a gem, parchment, or other suitable container. If that happens, you can still be released and then resurrected. I understand that these concepts may be unsettling, but the life of a mage is anything but a normal one. For what it is worth, Sylph, you're a good student. I hope you will continue to set a good example for the others."

Meanwhile, Asthia had reached the registrar and met a dark-gray skinned humanoid, her flesh resembling either tarnished silver or iron. She looked much like Cadmus, despite her humanoid appearance and size, as well as her lack of wings. She had a similar pale underbelly like Cadmus and was dressed much like Asthia, except that she had brown clothes instead of purple and her loincloth was noticeably shorter. The dracon figured out what was going on with her.

"Name?"

"Asthia. I should be on the list." The half-dragon checked a long roll of parchment. "Yes. A Sorceress from the dracon lands. Here you are. You've been assigned to the west dormitory. Choose any one of the available beds. Here's your class list and schedule, with the room numbers on the side" she handed Asthia a small piece of paper. "You should have been given a list of books and other supplies by now. Welcome to the crescent academy." She spoke to Asthia in a tone which indicated she had given this speech many times before. The registrar sat cross-legged on her cushion, which was shaped and colored much like the one Cadmus had, only many times smaller.

"Are you a half-dragon?" the dracon asked.

The female smirked. "Is it that obvious?" she replied, in a sarcastic tone. "I'm one of Cadmus' many offspring. I won't burden you with my family issues. My name's Pyria, but most people just call me the registrar, or 'the scribe.' I know of your species, I know how the dracons were made, with alchemy and spells."

"Well, thanks for the list. I'll just head on to the dorms now. Bye!"

"Yes, yes, leave me to my ceaseless paperwork and unending duties Pyria replied." Truly, her workload was rather light, but it didn't stop her from messing around with the newcomers.

Asthia ran down the hall, almost running into Bryce. Her claws skid on the polished stone floor, and she stopped just short of him. "Whoops! Sorry. Didn't see you there."

[DrHorus]

Sylph stood outside of her dormitory room. Her head leaning on her stave. "Life born... Life ended... life brought back... Trampling with what's beyond the veil is one of the filthiest arts I could imagine. Life is sacred, it should not be trifled with." Sylph mumbled to herself as she waved her hand on the door. A series of clicks ensued as the door softly swung open. Sylph walked slowly to the window. Perhaps it was Cadmus' or Zmerr's deed that her room was situated near the sea... It was a beautiful sight especially during the night. Sylph began to sat down as a chair swiftly dashed to her.

The night breeze swept through the windows as Sylph pulled down her hood, her silver hair swaying with the breeze. On nights like this, Sylph would always sing of a tale about a group of gypsies who had helped their neighbors. The song entails the gypsies' journey to Faerhad where the governor plotted against them. The song turns into an elegy for the gypsies who were humiliated and massacred. The elegy ends softly with silent wishes that the gypsies' deaths be avenged.

Without noticing it, a tear had found its way to Sylph's cheeks. The wizard was a bit surprised, but as quickly, she wiped the tear away. Sylph stood up, setting her stave aside in the process. She took off her black hood and robe, replacing it with a white night dress. Sylph looked at the small candle on the counter beside her bed. The wizard uttered a chant as the candle ignited, illuminating the room in a warm glow.

Sylph sat on her bed as she contemplated the things that had happened today... Meeting new people, meeting old faces, and most importantly, being reminded of the reason why she was still in the academy.

[Zmerr]

After the incident, Zmerr decided sleep was an absolute necessity. He slipped away from the group, trying to go unnoticed. He did not want to wait any longer. On his way back to the room, the depth of the situation hit him. Evil dragons? he didn't know there was such a thing. Maybe he had just assumed that all the remaining dragons resided within the school walls. Sometimes his own naivety surprised even himself.

He shook his head to clear it. The horse that had ran at him earlier was now quietly following beside him. With a large hole burned into the stable, this poor beast was without shelter. Zmerr figures he'd house the animal in his personal stable until the main one was fixed. In the morning, he would find the owner of the horse and inform them of it's temporary change in location.

Zmerr undid the padlock on his personal stable. There wasn't much room for the large horse. The stable had been made to fit Zmerr's pony. He had to ride a pony because he was too short to reach the stirrups on a horse. He led the animal inside and placed it right in front of the hay trough in case it was hungry. The horse turned around to face him. it had a knowing look to it's face as if it were more intelligent than the rest of its species. He pet the horses nose.

"They gave me the credit, but I think you're the one that saved the day, my large companion. In the morning, I will bring you a treat." he gave the beast a final pat before turning around and heading to his room.

Zmerr flopped down on his bed causing it to creak loudly. Thankfully, no one else could hear it. He sprawled himself out and closed his eyes, rethinking the situation. Who could possibly want to challenge Cadmus? Who could possibly be THAT crazy? And why the student stables? Zmerr had an off feeling that perhaps the attack was not a challenge for Cadmus, but rather for all of Crescent Academy. A great evil looking to destroy the prestige and honor of the staff and students. Once again, Zmerr resented his naivety. He'd thought no danger would come to the school, but this night had proved otherwise.

[Aristocles]

Cadmus flew back to his sanctum within the school, back through the oculus in the ceiling. He rested back on the pillow in the circular room, beneath the smooth ceiling.

He looked up at the stars. Despite his milennia of life, he still didn't understand them all. There was much he didn't know. The dragon had devoted much of his life to the pursuit of knowledge, and he had opened up the Crescent Academy to that end. This wasn't the first danger the school had faced, nor would it be the last. He had like for thousands of years and would live thousands more. Whoever challenged him or the school was either very powerful, insane, incredibly foolish, or all of the above.

Zmerr had been a faithful member of the academy, even though he wasn't a student. He had been around for quite a while, and even he seemed to be shaken by the event.

In the meantime, Asthia walked down the hallway with Bryce.